Medway Hospital staff mark 70th anniversary of NHS

Date: 05 July 2018

Tea party for web

Staff at Medway Maritime Hospital came together on Thursday 5 July to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the NHS. 

Employees from across the hospital marked the milestone occasion by hosting NHS ‘Big7Tea’ parties in their wards and departments, raising money for The Medway Hospital Charity in the process. 

A range of impressive cakes and snacks were baked by doctors, nurses, office-based staff, and volunteers, who all raised a cuppa to toast 70 years of the NHS. Decorations and other commemorative gifts were also kindly provided to the hospital by the Asda Gillingham Pier Superstore.

Speaking on the day of celebrations, NHS chief executive Simon Stevens sent a message of “heartfelt thanks” to staff, saying that the NHS’s enduring success is down to their “brilliance”. 

Mr Stevens added:‘’ It's a time for celebration looking back over seven decades, when we're all living a lot longer and healthier - more than 10 years extra. We should use this moment to say a heartfelt thank you to the 1.5million staff of the National Health Service for everything you do for all of us and for our families, day-in day-out.’’ 

Away from the excitement of the ‘Big7Tea’ parties in Medway, the local community are urged to attend a special 70th anniversary-themed summer fair at the hospital on Saturday 7 July. 

Seen as the centrepiece of the hospital’s anniversary celebrations, the special event promises fun for the all the family. Activities will include face painting; games; refreshments; live dance performances from Razzmatazz Medway Theatre School and Bollywood groups; a grand summer raffle; and plenty of stalls to browse. 

Elsewhere, an exhibition of artwork from local schools will be on display, showcasing what the NHS means to children today, while the public are encouraged to enter the Great NHS Birthday Bake Off competition. 

The Fair will be open from 11am to 3pm with free admission and free parking during this time, and takes place at Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, ME7 5NY.

All proceeds from the Fair will go towards The Medway Hospital Charity.

  • Summary:

    Staff at Medway Maritime Hospital came together on Thursday 5 July to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the NHS.